Gambling Harm Awareness Week (24–31 October 2026) is an opportunity to reflect on how gambling can affect our health and wellbeing, and how small changes can help reduce potential harm. 

As part of Deakin’s commitment to Positive Choices and Responsible Behaviours under the Student Health and Wellbeing Framework, this campaign aims to help students recognise the early signs of gambling harm, make informed choices and take steps to protect their wellbeing.

Gambling can be easy to normalise, especially when betting apps, sports advertising, social media and friends make it feel like an everyday activity. But harm isn't always obvious, and it doesn't have to mean losing large amounts of money or having an addiction. It can also affect your mood, relationships, sleep, studies and finances, sometimes before you realise something has changed.

This year’s Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) campaign, Bet Different. Risk Less., encourages practical ways to reduce potential harm, including taking a break, betting just one day per week and setting a time limit. Whether you're reflecting on your own gambling or concerned about someone else, you don't need to wait until it feels like a problem to check in or explore support.

What Deakin students have to say

We asked Deakin students to share their thoughts on gambling, why it can be hard to recognise harm and what they'd like others to understand.

“Small, frequent bets don't feel significant on their own, even if they add up.”
- Suhashie

“Young people should not have to reach a crisis before their gambling is recognised as harmful.”
- Aditi

“If it's social, it's more so normalised and thought of lightly than recognised as actually harmful.”
– Hansi

“Please don't feel like you're being too much or being a ‘buzzkill’ for trying to help them.”
- Mahi